Bryan Singer To Direct 'X-Men: Apocalypse' In Wake Of Sex Abuse Scandal

Bryan Singer, the director of the "X-Men" blockbusters since 2003, has been given the green light to direct "X-Men: Apocalypse," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Singer's future with the franchise had been uncertain after Michael Egan, who accused Singer of molesting him when Egan was 17, filed a federal lawsuit against the director in April, alleging that he had been sexually abused by Singer and others at a Los Angeles mansion and that he had been promised movie roles by the director. Singer denied all allegations, announcing with his lawyer that they were "outrageous" and "completely false." Egan dropped his lawsuit against Singer in August.

An unnamed source at 21st Century Fox had said the studio was worried that the sex abuse scandal would affect the project's schedule by delaying the production and release dates of the film.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" has grossed more than $745 million in global ticket sales to date, and in June, the combined total gross of all seven "X-Men" films had exceeded a record-breaking $3 billion.

Emma Watts, 21st Century Fox production president, told The Hollywood Reporter in June that in spite of the scandal, she wanted Singer to direct the next "X-Men" film. ""Nothing would make me happier than if it all worked out," she said. " It's always been the intention for him to do it."